Kenya Blocks Telegram Access During Exam Hours to Combat Malpractices

Kenya has taken a drastic step in its efforts to combat exam malpractices by blocking access to the messaging app Telegram during examination hours. The move is part of a broader strategy by the Kenyan government to curb cheating and ensure the integrity of national exams.

Telegram, which has been widely used for its encrypted communication features, has increasingly become a platform for students to share answers and engage in other forms of illicit activity during exams. The government’s decision to block access to the app aims to prevent the circulation of exam materials and the coordination of cheating efforts, especially during crucial testing periods.

This action follows a series of disturbing incidents in which students and other individuals exploited Telegram to distribute exam papers, share answers, or coordinate cheating rings. In fact, last year, six Kenyan nationals were arrested for their involvement in using Telegram for exam malpractices.

These individuals were part of a larger network that was actively facilitating cheating during high-stakes national exams. The arrests highlighted the growing problem of academic dishonesty in Kenya, which has undermined the credibility of its education system and raised concerns about the fairness of exams for all students.

The decision to block Telegram is not without controversy. While the government argues that it is necessary to protect the integrity of exams and uphold fairness, critics point out that the move could infringe on the right to free communication. Additionally, blocking a popular app like Telegram raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in the digital age.

Some experts argue that students could simply switch to other platforms or use VPNs to circumvent the ban, making the solution more of a temporary fix than a long-term resolution to the problem of exam cheating. Others suggest that a more comprehensive approach, including stricter surveillance, better exam security, and educational reforms, might be needed to address the root causes of academic dishonesty.

Despite these concerns, the Kenyan government remains committed to cracking down on exam malpractice. Over the years, Kenya has implemented a series of policies aimed at reducing cheating, including more stringent monitoring of exams and the introduction of biometric identification systems for students.

However, the persistent problem of cheating, fueled by technology and a culture of dishonesty, has made it clear that more drastic measures may be necessary. As the country navigates the challenges of ensuring fair and credible exams, the use of technology, both as a tool for cheating and as a means of enforcement, will likely continue to play a central role in shaping the future of academic integrity in Kenya.